The unit involves the application of operational principles; regulations; and safeworking codes, protocols and procedures to the controlling of local rail traffic movement as part of workplace activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian rail industry.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Monitor status of local conditions and timetable

1.1 Local rail traffic movements and associated activities are analysed to establish current situation

1.2 Proposed rail traffic movements and associated activities are identified to establish status of local conditions and timetable in accordance with organisational procedures and policies

1.3 Train notices are checked for conflicts and adjustments are made to local timetable as required

1.4 Identified anomalies are reported in accordance with organisational procedures and policies

2 Control local rail traffic movement

2.1 Local rail traffic movements are coordinated with other relevant personnel in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

2.2 Signalling systems are operated and monitored to ensure safe movement of rail traffic

2.3 Irregularities that may affect the timetable are reported and recorded in accordance with organisational procedures and policies

3 Communicate with rail safety workers and other relevant personnel

3.1 Communication with relevant rail safety workers is undertaken to ensure that they are informed of local rail traffic movements, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.2 Communication with other relevant personnel is undertaken to ensure that they are informed of local rail traffic movements, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4 Implement contingency plans when instructed

4.1 When instructed, contingency plan to suit the disruption, system failure or fault is actioned in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.2 Where required, resources to respond to the contingency are arranged in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures

4.3 Local rail traffic movements are adjusted in accordance with organisational and local operational requirements

4.4 Communications with train controller and other relevant personnel are established and maintained as required

5 Update local rail traffic movement documentation

5.1 Local rail traffic movement documentation is amended, compiled and recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5.2 Local rail traffic movement information and documentation are handed over when relieved, and/or at the completion of shift in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Relevant sections of legislated rail safety requirements, including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory, together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines

Organisational procedures for the control and coordination of local rail traffic operations

Signalling and control systems and operations

Specific local conditions and restrictions

Use of local area communication systems

Organisational surveillance and alarm systems

Problems that may occur when controlling local rail traffic and related action that should be taken

Relevant documentation requirements

Required skills:

Communicate effectively with others

Read, interpret and follow instructions, procedures and information relating to the control of local rail traffic

Complete documentation and enter data relating to the control of local rail traffic

Operate communication systems in line with required protocol

Report problems, faults and malfunctions identified when controlling local rail traffic in accordance with organisational procedures

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Use appropriate numeric functions when implementing contingency plans

Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

the underpinning knowledge and skills

relevant legislation and workplace procedures

other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or

access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

relevant and appropriate materials and/or equipment, and/or

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

RANGE STATEMENT

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Control of local rail traffic movements may require the use of:

manual signalling systems

written and verbal authority systems

token systems

Associated activities are those that may affect the movement of rail traffic and may include:

track maintenance

signal maintenance

defective electrical systems

diversion or alternative routing of rail traffic

track inspection

Anomalies with local conditions and timetable may include:

conflicting schedules

incorrect run/train number

incorrect routing/timetable plan

Events triggering the need for implementing contingency plans may include:

train breakdowns and/or delays

signalling faults

hazardous materials spills

track damage

adverse environmental events

collisions

injuries and fatalities

fires

electrical system faults

derailments

Communication systems may include:

radios

telephones, including mobile phones

fax machines

electronic, including email and intranet

Rail safety workers may include:

train crew

track workers

contractors

train controllers

other signallers

safeworking inspectors

Other relevant personnel may include:

customer service attendants

station supervisors

other network owners

Traffic movement documentation may include:

train timetables

track possessions and work notices

incident and unplanned event reports

signal and overhead diagrams

train notices, including special train notices

weekly notices

safeworking documentation

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

relevant state or territory codes of practice and safeworking system requirements

relevant state or territory OH&S legislation

This unit contains employability skills.